Child's Birth Year
2022

State/Province/Territory
Louisiana

NICU Hospital for my journey
Ochsner Baptist - A Campus of Ochsner Medical Center

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Bowen was born at 37 weeks, but with what was originally thought Trisomy 18. We were told he wouldn’t make it through birth. He was born with a cleft, missing a cerebellum and breathing complications. He received a NAM device to assist with his cleft while in NICU. He also received his trach and gtube while in the NICU on February 21 (his dad’s birthday). We were discharged on March 31. Our dude was determined to get home to his sisters as we had one of the fastest trach discharges the hospital had known. After discharged we discovered that he has Joubert syndrome with an impacted gene of OFD1, which is normally lethal for boys. He is now 3 and thriving! While milestones may be slow to meet, his personality is through the roof! He is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face!

What makes you proud of you NICU graduate?
Bowen has survived numerous surgeries and overcome every obstacle life has thrown at him. Throughout them all he keeps a smile on his face at all times. He really is our pride and joy and a true inspiration to all!

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
6 lbs

Weeks Gestation
37 Weeks

Time spent in the NICU (Specify Number of Days, Months, or Years)
79 Days